Colombia Seeks Removal of US Import Tariffs
The government is negotiating a new trade deal to challenge a 12.5% duty on specific goods.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in International Trade
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Colombia is pushing for the elimination of a 12.5% US tariff on its exports, arguing the levy undermines their 2012 free trade agreement. The country is currently engaged in high-level negotiations to finalize a new reciprocal trade deal with Washington by the end of 2026.
Why it matters
The president contends that the tariff, enacted in July 2026, unfairly hampers Colombian export competitiveness. This friction is compounded by an 18% appreciation of the Colombian peso, which officials claim further diminishes the value of trade benefits.
In 2025, the United States imported $17.9 billion in Colombian goods, while US exports to Colombia totaled $14.6 billion. The current 12.5% tariff applies to products like flowers, clothing, and plastics, distinct from Section 232 steel and aluminum rules.
The players
The President of Colombia
The head of state who is directing the ministry visits and the strategic negotiation push to lower US trade barriers.
The details
The government is using technical and strategic arguments in Washington to advocate for relief, aiming to secure a new deal by December 2026. While goods like coffee and oil remain exempt, negotiators are working through the text of a new agreement article by article.
Timeline
The original free trade agreement was signed in 2012.
The 12.5% tariff on Colombian goods took effect on 24 July 2026.
Technical trade negotiation teams met between 5-7 October 2026.
The president formally requested the tariff removal on 27 October 2026.
Colombia aims to sign a new trade deal by December 2026.
Market Dynamics
This dispute over trade duties operates within the regulatory framework of the Section 301 investigation, which currently governs import bans for 60 global economies. The move marks a departure from the established 2012 free trade environment between the two nations.
Exporters in affected sectors like textiles and floriculture may see continued margin pressure until the 12.5% duty is resolved. Conversely, the outcome of the Economic Prosperity Dialogue will determine if trade conditions return to the 2012 benchmark for investors.
The takeaway
Colombia's push for tariff removal underscores the ongoing volatility in international trade relations even when long-standing agreements exist. Stakeholders should monitor upcoming trade dialogues for updates on whether current duties will be mitigated before year-end.
What happens next
Technical and high-level government teams plan to finalize and potentially sign a new reciprocal trade agreement with Washington by the end of December 2026.
Further reading
Explore the current state of International Trade for more global market context.
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